Tripod 101

Choosing the right tripod can be an overwhelming experience; there are so many choices! Aluminum or carbon fiber? Lightweight or heavy? Three leg sections or four? Buy for the equipment I have now, or for the equipment that I might get down the road? Really Right Stuff has built a solid reputation as your camera support experts because we understand how to select the right support system for you from the ground up. Here are a number of things to consider when choosing a new tripod.

Number of Leg Sections

Favor tripods with 3 leg-sections over 4 leg-sections for most applications. Let's consider two equivalent Gitzo® mid-range models: the 3 leg-section GT2530 and the 4 leg-section GT2540. The top tube diameter is the same for both models. But since each leg section has to telescope into the previous section, the fourth and final leg section of the GT2540 is quite narrow. In practical terms, the final leg section of the GT2530 is about the width of your thumb, while the final leg section of the GT2540 is about the width of your index finger. Lastly, tripods with 3 leg-sections have only two joints per leg. In general terms, the fewer joints, the better the support; the fewer joints, the less hassle.

But there are times when a tripod with 4 leg-sections is a good choice. If travel and portability are premium considerations for you, tripods with 4 leg-sections always collapse into a shorter closed length. This can often mean the difference between fitting in that carry-on suitcase and leaving your tripod behind.

Aluminum or Carbon Fiber?

Carbon Fiber

• Greatest weight to stability ratio; today's high-perfomance models deliver excellent stability even when ratio of head-to-leg mass drops to about 1.5.
• Easier to handle in extreme cold since the leg sections do not get as cold as aluminum.
• Dampens vibration faster than aluminum.
• Typically half the weight of a comparable aluminum model.
• Typically twice the price of a comparable aluminum model.

Aluminum

• Typically half the price of a comparable carbon fiber model.
• Typically twice the weight of a comparable carbon fiber model.

Height & Center Columns

Remember that this means maximum height and minimum height. Want to have your viewfinder at eye level? Choose a tripod that can extend at least to within about 6-inches of eye level (that remaining 6-inches will be taken up by your ballhead and camera). Want to be at ground level? Choose either a tripod without a center column, or one of the 2007 Gitzo Mountaineer models with removable center columns.

Choosing a tripod with or without a center column is a matter of personal choice. Some shooters prefer the Gitzo Systematic series that come with no center column (but they accept a range of Systematic accessories, including optional center columns). Others prefer the versatility that a center column delivers; it sure is handy to just raise the center column a bit when you need that extra inch in height rather than adjusting each leg section. Note that if you do choose a tripod with center column, you'll get the best support when your center column is not fully extended (so choose a tripod that is tall enough without the center column fully extended).

Other Factors

Remember that selection of a support system stems from three inputs: personal bias, load, and surroundings. Your goal is to have a solid support system that is more than the sum of its parts. A well-crafted support system is built from the ground up with quality components that enhance the genuine needs and preferences of each shooter. Tripod legs, head, quick-release clamping system, camera and optics—a well chosen combination, used properly, will yield the finest results with every use. See Support Synergy for more information.